Electronic article surveillance systems, apparatus, and methods

ABSTRACT

Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting proximity of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of co-pending patentapplication Ser. No. 12/860,673, entitled ELECTRONIC ARTICLESURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS. Priority to thisearlier-filed application is claimed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to electronicarticle surveillance systems and methods of their operation.

BACKGROUND

The use of electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems for articletheft detection has been widely adopted by retailers and other entities(e.g., libraries). In the retail context, these systems include specialtags that are activated and affixed to articles for which theftdetection is desired, along with tag detectors having transmit andreceive antennas that typically are positioned at exits of a retailstore. When an article is purchased, a store clerk deactivates orremoves the tag at the point-of-sale (e.g., a cash register area), andthe article may be carried past the tag detector without triggering analarm. However, when an active tag (i.e., a tag that has not beendeactivated) is carried past a tag detector, and the tag detectorsuccessfully detects the active tag, the EAS system generates an audiblealarm to alert store personnel to a potential theft of an article towhich the tag is attached.

Several types of EAS systems are prevalently used. For example, anacousto-magnetic EAS system includes a detector with a transmitterconfigured to emit periodic activation pulses at a given frequency(e.g., about 50-90 pulses at 58 kilohertz (kHz)) during an activationphase, and magnetic tags that emit oscillating signals in response toencountering activation pulses of sufficient power. Essentially, theactivation pulses energize the tag during the activation phase, and thetag continues to emit the oscillating signals even after the activationsignal is discontinued. When the tag is within range of the detector andthe detector is in a detection phase, the oscillating signal produced bythe tag induces an AC voltage in a receive antenna of the detector. Whenthe induced signal meets predefined detection parameters (e.g., thedetected signal has a frequency of 58 kHz and is time-synchronized withthe transmitter), the system may produce an audible alarm.

In contrast, each tag of a swept radio frequency (RF) EAS systemincludes circuitry with a resonance peak within a certain frequencyrange (e.g., from 1.75 to 9.5 megahertz (MHz), with 8.2 MHz being mostpopular). A transmitter of the system's detector transmits a relativelyhigh-powered signal that sweeps around the pre-defined resonantfrequency, and the tag responds by emitting a signal that may bedetected by a wideband receiver of the detector when the tag is within adetection zone (e.g., an RF range of the detector). By detecting a phasedifference between the transmitted and received signals, the receiverrecognizes the presence of the tag within the detection zone, and thesystem produces an audible alarm.

Conventional EAS systems have been successful at deterring and detectingarticle theft. However, current systems suffer from some significantdrawbacks. For example, a typical EAS detector includes a first pedestalto house the detector's transmit antenna, and a second pedestal to housethe detector's receive antenna. Tag detection is possible when an EAStag is carried between the transmit and receive pedestals. Accordingly,the transmit and receive pedestals are placed in proximity to a portal(e.g., a retail store exit) at a distance from each other that isgoverned by the signal characteristics of the detector. Currentregulatory restrictions on a detector's transmitted signalcharacteristics, along with practical size limitations for EAS tags,mandate a relatively small distance between a detector's transmit andreceive antennas (i.e., the distance between the transmit pedestal andthe receive pedestal). Accordingly, when a portal is wider than themandated distance, multiple pedestal pairs are needed in order to spanthe entire extent of the portal. The pedestal portions of current EASsystems are relatively expensive, and the necessity for multiplepedestal pairs to span a relatively wide portal increases the cost tothe retailer of adopting such an EAS system. Additionally, theinstallation of multiple pedestal pairs may compromise the storefrontaesthetics, and the pedestals may impede customer traffic at the frontof the store. Accordingly, a retailer may decide not to purchase an EASsystem when the system cost exceeds the perceived, potential benefit oftheft deterrence/detection and/or when the retailer decides that thepedestals unacceptably compromise the storefront aesthetics or trafficflow.

An additional drawback to conventional EAS systems is that regulatoryrestrictions on EAS systems' transmit signal power result in EAS systemsin which an EAS tag is detectable only when the EAS tag is located arelatively short distance from a pedestal pair. Typically, EAS tagdetection is possible only when the EAS tag is very close to thepedestals and the store exit, and an individual carrying an active EAStag may have exited the store before the EAS system alarm sounds, andstore or security personnel are alerted. Accordingly, conventional EASsystem operations often leave insufficient time or opportunity for storepersonnel to respond to a tag detection alarm (e.g., by apprehending anindividual that is leaving a store with an active EAS tag).

In addition, conventional EAS systems are relatively inefficient withrespect to power consumption. For example, as long as an EAS system ison (e.g., during a retail store's hours of operation), a conventionalEAS detector continues to emit activation pulses (in the case of anacousto-magnetic EAS system) or to produce swept-RF signals (in the caseof a swept RF EAS system). Accordingly, the EAS detector continuouslyconsumes power while the system is on, regardless of whether or not anarticle theft potentially is occurring. Accordingly, what are needed areEAS systems and methods of their operation that overcome such drawbacksof conventional EAS systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described inconjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numeralsdenote like elements, and

FIG. 1 is a top view of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) systemand associated detection ranges, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an EAS system, in accordancewith an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an EAS system, in accordancewith another example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of an EAS system, in accordancewith yet another example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for performing tag proximity detectionand EAS, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 illustrates EAS detection signals produced in first and secondoperational modes, in accordance with various example embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for detecting proximity of a RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) tag and an EAS tag, in accordance withan example embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for updating inventory information, inaccordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments include methods and apparatus for performing electronicarticle surveillance (EAS). An embodiment of a reader system includes aproximity sensor system and an EAS tag reader, which interact with oneor more tags to detect the presence of an object (to which the tag(s)are attached) within an area. More specifically, the proximity sensorsystem is configured to detect a presence of an object within a firstarea, in an embodiment. The proximity sensor system may be, for examplebut not by way of limitation, a radio frequency identification (RFID)tag reader, a motion detection system, an optical sensor system, acamera, or a laser sensor system. The EAS tag reader is configured tomake a transition from a first operational mode to a second operationalmode in response to detecting the object within the first area.According to an embodiment, the transition includes the EAS tag readeraltering production of an EAS tag detection signal. For example, the EAStag reader may transition from a mode in which it does not produce anEAS tag detection signal at all, to a mode in which it produces an EAStag detection signal, in an embodiment. Alternatively, the EAS tagreader may transition from a mode in which it produces an EAS tagdetection signal having first transmission characteristics (e.g., afirst duty cycle, pulse frequency, and power) to a mode in which itproduces an EAS tag detection signal having second and differenttransmission characteristics (e.g., a second duty cycle, pulsefrequency, and/or power). In general, the second transmissioncharacteristics may be selected to increase the probability of detectingan EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader while achieving regulatorycompliance, when compared with the probability of detection using an EAStag detection signal having the first transmission characteristics.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an EAS system 100 and associated detection areas140, 142, in accordance with an embodiment. EAS system 100 includes aproximity detection system 102, an EAS tag reader 104, an alarm 106, apedestal pair 108, and at least one tag 112, 113, 114. The pedestal pair108 is operatively coupled with the EAS tag reader 104, and includes atransmit pedestal 109 and a receive pedestal 110. The transmit pedestal109 includes a transmit antenna associated with the EAS tag reader 104,and the receive pedestal 110 includes a receive antenna associated withthe EAS tag reader 104. The transmit and receive pedestals 109, 110 arepositioned in proximity to a portal 130, and are spatially separated sothat the transmit pedestal 109 is proximate one side of the portal 130,and the receive pedestal 110 is proximate the opposite side of theportal 130. Accordingly, the space between the transmit and receivepedestals 109, 110 corresponds to a path of egress (e.g., a path betweenthe interior of a retail store to the exterior of the retail store).

Although only one pedestal pair 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it shouldbe understood that several pedestal pairs may be included in the system100. For example, when the portal 130 has a length that is longer thanthe distance mandated by the characteristics of the EAS taginterrogation signal, more than one pedestal pair may be used to spanthe length of the portal 130. Alternatively, multiple portal pairs maybe used to monitor multiple portals.

The proximity detection system 102 is communicatively coupled with theEAS tag reader 104, and depending on the particular embodiment, theproximity detection system 102 may or may not be coupled with thepedestal pair 108. As will be explained more fully below, the proximitydetection system 102 is configured to detect the presence of an object115, 116, 117 within a first area 142, in an embodiment. The proximitydetection system 102 may comprise, for example, an RFID tag reader,wherein the “object” 115-117 takes the form of an RFID tag configured tointeract with the RFID tag reader to enable the RFID tag reader todetermine whether the RFID tag is within the first area 142. Forexample, the RFID tag may be an RFID tag selected from a groupconsisting of an active RFID tag, a passive RFID tag, and abattery-assist passive RFID tag. In various alternate embodiments, the“object” 115-117 may be a person or an article to which the EAS tag112-114 is attached. In such embodiments, the proximity detection system102 may be any of a motion detection system, an optical sensor system, acamera, or a laser sensor system, which are configured either to detectmotion of the object 115-117 while it is within the first area 142, theentry of the object 115-117 into the first area 142, or the presence ofthe object 115-117 within the first area 142. In such embodiments, theproximity detection system 102 includes a “sensor” configured to detectthe motion, entry, or presence of the object 115-117 within the firstarea 142.

In the embodiment in which the object 115-117 is an RFID tag, the firstarea 142 corresponds to an RF range of the RFID tag reader. Morespecifically, the first area 142 corresponds to an RF range of transmitand receive antennas of the RFID tag reader, which may be physicallylocated in or on one or both pedestals 109, 110 of the pedestal pair108. For example, object 117 (e.g., a first RFID tag) is located in area144, which is outside of the first area 142. Accordingly, object 117 maybe considered to be outside the detection range of proximity detectionsystem 102 (and EAS tag reader 104). Conversely, object 116 (e.g., asecond RFID tag) is located within area 142, and may be considered towithin the detection range of proximity detection system 102.

As will be explained in more detail below, when proximity detectionsystem 102 detects an object (e.g., object 115 or 116) within the firstarea 142, proximity detection system 102 may generate a “proximitysignal,” which is communicated to EAS tag reader 104, in an embodiment.Alternatively, proximity detection system 102 may be configured toproduce the proximity signal only upon detection of the presence of theobject within area 142 combined with a detection of motion of the object(e.g., as indicated by arrow 122 associated with object 116). Eitherway, upon receipt of the proximity signal (or merely in response todetecting an object within area 142), EAS tag reader 104 makes atransition from a first operational mode to a second operational mode.The transition includes the EAS tag reader 104 altering production of anEAS tag detection signal. As used herein, an “EAS tag detection signal”may be any signal produced by any of several types of EAS tag reader(including acousto-magnetic EAS tag readers and swept RF EAS tagreaders), which facilitates the detection of an EAS tag (e.g., EAS tags112-114) within range of the transmit and receive antennas of an EAS tagreader 104.

For example, the EAS tag reader 104 may transition from a mode in whichit does not produce an EAS tag detection signal at all (e.g., asindicated by the absence of an EAS tag detection signal in graph 600,FIG. 6), to a mode in which it produces an EAS tag detection signal(e.g., a signal such as one of the EAS tag detection signals 612, 622,632, 642 in graphs 610, 620, 630, 640, FIG. 6), in an embodiment.Alternatively, EAS tag reader 104 may transition from a mode in which itproduces an EAS tag detection signal having first transmissioncharacteristics (e.g., a first duty cycle, pulse frequency, and power,such as EAS tag detection signal 612 in graph 610, FIG. 6) to a mode inwhich it produces an EAS tag detection signal having second anddifferent transmission characteristics (e.g., a second duty cycle, pulsefrequency, and/or power, such as one of the EAS tag detection signals622, 632, 642 in graphs 620, 630, 640, FIG. 6). In general, the secondtransmission characteristics may be selected to increase the probabilityof detecting an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader 104, whencompared with the probability of detection using an EAS tag detectionsignal having the first transmission characteristics. For example, whencompared with EAS tag detection signal 612 in graph 610, FIG. 6, each ofEAS tag detection signals 622, 632, 642 in graphs 620, 630, 640, FIG. 6may have a higher probability of detection, as they have a higher pulsefrequency, higher duty cycle, and higher power, respectively, than EAStag detection signal 612. The EAS tag signal produced in the secondoperational mode may have any combination of higher frequency, higherduty cycle, and power, in various embodiments. In addition to providingpotential benefits relating to increasing the probability of detectionwhile the EAS tag reader 104 is in the second operational mode, theoverall power consumption of the EAS tag reader 104 may be significantlylower. In an embodiment, the amount of power consumed by the EAS tagreader 104 is low while the EAS tag reader 104 is in the firstoperational mode, since either the EAS tag reader 104 is not producingan EAS tag detection signal at all or the EAS tag detection signalproduced may be of relatively low power, when compared with the EAS tagdetection signal produced while the EAS tag reader 104 is in the secondoperational mode.

According to an embodiment, the EAS tag signal produced in the secondoperational mode not only may increase the probability of detection, butalso may increase a range of detection by the EAS reader 104.Accordingly, such embodiments provide an “early warning” system that mayenable detection of an EAS tag at a distance that is farther from apedestal pair than is possible with conventional EAS tag detectiontechniques. More particularly, using an embodiment of the inventivesubject matter, the system may produce an alarm to alert store personnelabout the approach of an active EAS tag to a pedestal pair when the EAStag is farther from the pedestal pair, and thus at a time that isearlier than a time that an alarm would be produced using conventionalEAS tag detection techniques. Accordingly, store personnel may have moretime to apprehend an individual carrying an active EAS tag toward anexit, thus improving loss prevention.

In an embodiment such as that depicted in FIG. 1, in which the transmitand receive antennas are incorporated into transmit and receivepedestals 109, 110 of a pedestal pair 108, the detection area for theEAS tag reader 104 is an area 140 proximate to the pedestal pair 108.According to an embodiment, the detection range of the proximitydetection system 102 is significantly farther than the detection rangeof the EAS tag reader 104. For example, the detection range of EAS tagreader 104 may be in a range of about 3 meters or less, and depending onthe type of proximity detection employed by proximity detection system102, the detection range of proximity detection system 102 may be in arange of about 10 to 50 meters. In alternate embodiments, the detectionranges of EAS tag reader 104 and/or proximity detection system 102 maybe larger or smaller than the above given values and ranges. Thedetection area 140 of EAS tag reader 104 may completely overlap thedetection area 142 of proximity detection system 102, as shown inFIG. 1. Alternatively, the detection areas 140, 142 may only partiallyoverlap or may not overlap at all, depending on the configuration of theportal 130 and the placement of the transmit/receive antennas or sensorassociated with the proximity detection system 102, with respect to theportal pair 108.

With the difference in detection ranges, the detection area 142 ofproximity detection system 102 may be significantly larger than thedetection area 140 of EAS tag reader 104. This enables the presence ofan object 115-117 with which the EAS tag 112-114 is associated (e.g.,attached) to be detected earlier than would be possible using only EAStag reader 104. In addition, as will be explained in more detail later,this enables the EAS tag reader 104 to be operated in a less powerconsumptive mode in the absence of any detected object within area 142,while allowing a transition to operation in a more accurate detectionmode in the presence of a detected object within area 142. As mentionedabove, this enables the EAS tag reader 104 to be operated in a mode thatincreases the EAS tag detection area. Thus, an alarm produced upondetection of an active EAS tag may be produced earlier than it would beusing a conventional EAS system, and store personnel or security staffmay have more time to respond to the alarm (e.g., to apprehend anindividual carrying the EAS tag before the individual exits thepremises).

In an embodiment in which EAS tag reader 104 is an acousto-magnetic EASsystem, a transmitter and transmit antenna (e.g., within transmitpedestal 109) of EAS tag reader 104 are configured to emit the EAS tagdetection signal in the form of periodic activation pulses at a givenfrequency during an activation phase, and a receiver and receive antenna(e.g., within receive pedestal 110) of EAS tag reader 104 are configuredto receive oscillating signals emitted from an EAS tag (e.g., EAS tag112) in response to encountering activation pulses of sufficient power.As discussed previously, the activation pulses energize the tag duringthe activation phase, and the tag continues to emit the oscillatingsignals even after the activation signal is discontinued. When the tagis within range of the receive antenna of EAS tag reader 104 (e.g., theEAS tag 112 is within detection area 140) and the EAS tag reader is in adetection phase, the oscillating signal produced by the tag induces anAC voltage in the receive antenna (e.g., within receive pedestal 110) ofthe EAS tag reader 104. When the induced signal meets predefineddetection parameters (e.g., the detected signal has a frequency of 58kHz and is time-synchronized with the transmitter), the EAS tag reader104 may produce a control signal, which causes alarm 106 to produce anaudible alarm. In this manner, object 115 may be considered to be withinthe detection range of both the proximity detection system 102 and theEAS reader 104 when object 115 (and EAS tag 112) are within area 140.

In an embodiment in which EAS tag reader 104 is a swept RF EAS system, atransmitter and transmit antenna (e.g., within transmit pedestal 109) ofEAS tag reader 104 are configured to emit the EAS tag detection signalin the form of a relatively high-powered signal that sweeps around thepre-defined resonant frequency, and a receiver and receive antenna(e.g., within receive pedestal 110) of EAS tag reader 104 are configuredto receive oscillating signals emitted from an EAS tag (e.g., EAS tag112) in response to encountering activation pulses of sufficient power.As discussed previously, the activation pulses energize the tag duringthe activation phase, and the tag continues to emit the oscillatingsignals even after the activation signal is discontinued. When the tagis within range of the receive antenna of EAS tag reader 104 (e.g., theEAS tag 112 is within detection area 140) and the EAS tag reader is in adetection phase, the oscillating signal produced by the tag induces anAC voltage in the receive antenna (e.g., within receive pedestal 110) ofthe EAS tag reader 104. When the induced signal meets predefineddetection parameters (e.g., the detected signal has a frequency of 58kHz and is time-synchronized with the transmitter), the EAS tag reader104 may produce a control signal, which causes alarm 106 to produce anaudible alarm. In this manner, object 115 may be considered to be withinthe detection range of both the proximity detection system 102 and theEAS reader 104 when object 115 (and EAS tag 112) are within area 140.

Each EAS tag (e.g., EAS tag 112) includes circuitry with a resonancepeak within a certain frequency range (e.g., from 1.75 to 9.5 MHz), with8.2 MHz being preferred, in an embodiment), and an EAS tag responds tothe swept RF signal produced by the transmitter by emitting a signalthat may be detected by a wideband receiver of the EAS tag reader 104when the EAS tag is within a detection zone 140 (e.g., an RF range ofthe detector). The EAS tag reader 104 detects a phase difference betweenthe transmitted and received signals. When the EAS tag reader 104recognizes the presence of the EAS tag (e.g., EAS tag 112) within thedetection zone 140, the EAS tag reader 104 may produce a control signal,which causes alarm 106 to produce an audible alarm. Once again, in thismanner, object 115 may be considered to be within the detection range ofboth the proximity detection system 102 and the EAS reader 104 whenobject 115 (and EAS tag 112) are within area 140.

EAS tags 112-114 may be housed within a housing or container 118, 119,120 of some type, according to various embodiments. For example, EAStags 112-114 may be housed in a relatively durable plastic housing,which may be adhered or otherwise attached to an object. When objects115-117 are RFID tags, the RFID tags may be housed within the samehousings or containers as the EAS tags 112-114, as shown in FIG. 1.Alternatively, the RFID tags may be housed within different housings orcontainers from the EAS tags 112-114.

According to various embodiments, a container 118-119 may be any one ofa bag, a box, a package, a crate, a pallet, or another type ofcontainer. In such an embodiment, the RFID tags (e.g., objects 115-117)may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached or integrated withcontainer 118-119. In further embodiments, EAS tags 112-114 also oralternatively may be integrally formed with or otherwise attached to orintegrated with container 118-119. In such embodiments, when a retailarticle is purchased, the retail store clerk may deactivate the RFIDtags and EAS tags 112-114 by performing a deactivation process to a bag(e.g., a container 118-120) within which the store clerk will place thepurchased article for presentation to the purchaser.

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of an EAS system 200, in accordancewith an example embodiment. More particularly, the embodiment relates toan EAS system 200 that includes an RFID tag reader 202 as a proximitydetection system (e.g., proximity detection system 102, FIG. 1), and theRFID tag reader 202 is implemented using distinct hardware from EAS tagreader 204 (e.g., EAS tag reader 104, FIG. 1). EAS system 200 includesthe RFID tag reader 202, the EAS tag reader 204, an alarm 206, and apedestal pair consisting of a transmit pedestal 209 and a receivepedestal 210. In addition, as will be discussed in more detail later,the RFID tag reader 202 may be communicatively coupled with an inventorycontrol system 230.

RFID tag reader 202 is configured to detect a presence of an RFID tag(e.g., object 115 or 116, FIG. 1) within a first detection area (e.g.,area 142, FIG. 1), and to generate a proximity signal 232 in response todetecting the RFID tag within the first area. RFID tag reader 202includes an RFID tag detection processor 240, a transmitter 242, atransmit antenna 244, a receiver 246, a receive antenna 248, and asignaling interface 250. The transmit antenna 244 (and possiblytransmitter 242) may be housed within transmit pedestal 209, and thereceive antenna 248 (and possibly receiver 246) may be housed withinreceive pedestal 210, although this is not a requirement. In analternate embodiment, the transmit antenna 244 and/or receive antenna248 may be located elsewhere.

RFID tag detection processor 240 includes one or more general or specialpurpose processors and associated memory and other circuitry, whichenables RFID tag detection processor 240 to execute an RFID tagdetection algorithm. The particular RFID tag detection algorithm dependson the type of RFID tag employed in the system. For example, in variousembodiments, the RFID tag detection algorithm is configured tocommunicate with an RFID tag selected from a group consisting of anactive RFID tag, a passive RFID tag, and a battery-assist passive RFIDtag. Each of these types of RFID tags includes an integrated circuit forstoring information (e.g., an article identifier), processing RFID taginterrogation signals from RFID tag reader 202, and transmitting an RFIDtag response signal that includes the stored information. An RFID tagalso may be programmable to store the transaction status of an item(i.e., whether the item is “transacted” (paid-for and sold) or“non-transacted” (not yet paid for or sold)). When an RFID tag initiallyis attached to an item and offered for sale, the transaction status maybe initialized to “non-transacted,” and when the item is sold, equipmentat the point-of-sale may be used to change the stored transaction statusto “transacted.” An active RFID tag includes a battery, and is capableof transmitting a signal autonomously. In contrast, a passive RFID tagdoes not include a battery, and requires an external source (e.g., RFIDtag reader 202) to provoke signal detection. A battery-assisted passiveRFID tag, on the other hand, requires an external source to wake up,although it has a significant higher forward link capability, thusproviding greater range.

According to an embodiment, the RFID tag detection algorithm includesinvoking the transmitter 242 and transmit antenna 244 to radiate an RFIDtag interrogation signal, and evaluating signals received via receiveantenna 248 and receiver 246 to determine whether they are valid RFIDtag response signals. According to an embodiment, when a valid RFID taginterrogation signal is received, the RFID tag detection algorithm isconfigured to produce the proximity signal 232, which is communicated tothe EAS tag detector 204 via signaling interface 250.

According to an embodiment, the RFID tag detection algorithm is alsoconfigured to detect whether the responding RFID tag is in motion,although this is not a requirement. In such an embodiment, the RFID tagreader 202 may produce the proximity signal 232 only upon detecting thatthe RFID tag is in motion. In a further embodiment, the RFID tag reader202 may produce the proximity signal 232 upon detecting that the RFIDtag is in motion and the direction of motion is toward the portal (i.e.,the RFID tag is approaching the portal, as opposed to moving away fromthe portal). These features have an advantage of allowing RFID and EAStags to be attached to articles that are displayed or stored within theRFID detection range (e.g., within area 142, FIG. 1) without causing theRFID tag reader 202 to send the proximity signal 232 and trigger the EAStag reader 204 to change its mode of operation. Because a purpose of EASsystem 200 is to detect potential theft of articles, it is desirable todetect EAS tags on articles that are in motion (e.g., being carried outof the retail store by a shoplifter), rather than to detect EAS tags onarticles that are stationary (e.g., on display in proximity to aportal).

In addition, in an embodiment, the RFID tag detection algorithm isconfigured to provide information received in the RFID tag responsesignals to inventory control system 230 when an RFID tag associated with(e.g., attached to) a particular article has been detected in proximityto or passing through the portal (e.g., portal 130, FIG. 1), thusindicating that the article may be leaving a controlled area (e.g., aretail store). Accordingly, the RFID tag detection algorithm may notprovide the information to the inventory control system 230 immediatelyupon detection of the RFID tag in the first detection area (e.g., area142, FIG. 1), but may perform further analyses of subsequently receivedRFID tag response signals from the RFID tag to determine (e.g., based onsignal strengths and phase angles of the RFID tag response signals) whenthe RFID tag is in proximity to, approaching, is passing through, and/orhas passed through the portal. In other words, the RFID tag detectionalgorithm may use RFID phase and signal strength measurements todetermine motion of an RFID tag and its distance from the RFID tagreader 202 (e.g., its motion relative to and distance from the portal).For example, the information received in an RFID tag response signal mayinclude an article identifier (e.g., a SKU of an article to which theresponding RFID tag is attached), and the RFID tag detection algorithmmay send article-identity-indicating information that indicates theidentity of the article to the inventory control system 230, when it isdetermined that the RFID tag is in proximity to, approaching, is passingthrough, or has passed through the portal.

In addition, in an embodiment, the information received in an RFID tagresponse signal may include the stored transaction status of the item(e.g., transacted or non-transacted), and the RFID tag detectionalgorithm may indicate to the inventory control system 230 whether ornot the article was properly purchased. In other words, the RFID tagreader 202 may report to the inventory control system 230 thetransaction status stored in the RFID tag. In an embodiment, when theRFID tag reader 202 has reported to the inventory control system 230that a non-transacted RFID tag is in proximity to, approaching, passingthrough, or has passed through the portal, the inventory control system240 may cause a display (e.g., at a point-of-sale, office or other area)to display an alert, an image of a non-transacted item, and/or thearticle identifier (e.g., the SKU) associated with the RFID tag. Thedisplayed alert alternatively may be initiated by the RFID tag reader202. Either way, the displayed alert may apprise store and/or securitypersonnel of a potential theft, and the personnel may implementresponsive actions. In various embodiments, the RFID tag reader 202 mayprovide the transaction status information to the inventory controlsystem 230, and the RFID tag reader 202 or inventory control system 230may cause the alert/image/identifier to be displayed while thenon-transacted RFID tag and article are located within either area 142or within area 140. Implementation of an embodiment in which the reportis produced by the RFID tag reader 202 and the alert/image/identifier isdisplayed while the non-transacted RFID tag is outside of area 140, butwithin area 142, enables store and/or security personnel to be alertedof a potential theft well in advance of the non-transacted RFID tagentering area 140, when it may be too late to respond.

Inventory control system 230 is configured to maintain inventoryinformation regarding quantities of a plurality of articles that arepresent within a controlled area at which the EAS system 200 isinstalled (e.g., a retail store). In response to receivingarticle-identity-indicating information from the RFID tag reader 202(and possibly the transaction status of the associated article), theinventory control system 230 may update the inventory informationregarding a quantity of the article present in the controlled area, inan embodiment.

EAS tag reader 204 is configured to detect a presence of an EAS tag(e.g., EAS tag 112, FIG. 1) within a second detection area (e.g., area140, FIG. 1) by producing an EAS tag energizing signal, and detecting anappropriate response from the EAS tag. In addition, EAS tag reader 204is configured to receive the proximity signal 232 from the RFID tagreader 202, and to alter characteristics of an EAS tag energizing signalin response to receiving the proximity signal. EAS tag reader 204includes an EAS tag detection processor 260, a transmitter 262, atransmit antenna 264, a receiver 266, a receive antenna 268, andsignaling interface 270. The transmit antenna 264 (and possiblytransmitter 262) are housed within transmit pedestal 209, and thereceive antenna 268 (and possibly receiver 266) may be housed withinreceive pedestal 210.

EAS tag detection processor 260 includes one or more general or specialpurpose processors and associated memory and other circuitry, whichenables EAS tag detection processor 260 to execute an EAS tag detectionalgorithm. According to an embodiment, the EAS tag detection algorithmincludes invoking the transmitter 262 and transmit antenna 264 toradiate an EAS tag detection signal, and evaluating signals received viareceive antenna 268 and receiver 266 to determine whether they are validEAS tag response signals. When a valid EAS tag response signal isreceived (i.e., upon detecting an EAS tag within the detection area ofEAS tag reader 204), EAS tag detection processor 260 produces a controlsignal, which causes alarm 206 to produce an audible alarm. In otherembodiments, in addition to or instead of EAS tag reader 204 producingan alarm control signal, the RFID tag reader 202 or the inventorycontrol system 230 may provide an alarm control signal to alarm 206 whena determination has been made that a non-transacted item is in proximityto, is approaching, is passing through, or has passed through theportal, as discussed previously. Alarm control signals from RFID tagreader 202 may be provided directly to alarm 206, for example, and alarmcontrol signals from inventory control system 230 may be provideddirectly to alarm 206 or may be communicated through RFID tag reader 202and/or EAS tag reader 204, in various embodiments.

As discussed previously, the EAS tag reader 204 may operate in at leasttwo operational modes. In a first operational mode, the EAS tag reader204 either bypasses production of the EAS tag detection signal orgenerates the EAS tag detection signal with first transmissioncharacteristics, in various embodiments. When the EAS tag reader 204receives the proximity signal 232 from the RFID tag reader 202 viasignaling interface 270, the EAS tag reader 204 transitions to a secondoperational mode. In the second operational mode, the EAS tag reader 204initiates production of the EAS tag detection signal (i.e., if the firstoperational mode involved not transmitting the EAS tag detectionsignal), or beginning to transmit the EAS tag detection signal withsecond and different transmission characteristics, in variousembodiments. Transition between the various operational modes will bediscussed in more detail later.

In the EAS system embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the RFID tag detector202 and the EAS tag detector 204 are implemented on distinct hardware,with a communications interface (including signaling interfaces 250,270) between them. In an alternate embodiment, the RFID tag detector andthe EAS tag detector may be implemented on at least partially sharedhardware. For example, FIG. 3 is a simplified block diagram of an EASsystem 300, in accordance with another example embodiment. EAS system300 includes an RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340, an alarm 306, anda pedestal pair consisting of a transmit pedestal 309 and a receivepedestal 310. In addition, RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340 may becommunicatively coupled with an inventory control system 330.

RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340 includes one or more general orspecial purpose processors and associated memory and other circuitry,which enables RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340 to execute an RFIDtag detection algorithm and an EAS tag detection algorithm, as discussedpreviously, or a single algorithm that includes the capabilities of boththe RFID tag detection algorithm and the EAS tag detection algorithm, asdiscussed previously. These algorithms will be referred to collectivelyas an RFID/EAS tag detection algorithm.

By executing the RFID tag detection algorithm, RFID/EAS tag detectionprocessor 340, in conjunction with transmitter 342, transmit antenna344, receiver 346, and receive antenna 348, is configured to detect apresence of an RFID tag (e.g., object 115 or 116, FIG. 1) within a firstdetection area (e.g., area 142, FIG. 1), as discussed previously. Whenthe RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340 is communicatively coupled withinventory control system 330, the RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340may communicate article-identity-indicating information to the inventorycontrol system 330 upon detection of an RFID tag exiting a controlledarea, as discussed previously. In addition, by executing the EAS tagdetection algorithm, and in response to detecting the RFID tag withinthe first detection area, RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340, inconjunction with transmitter 342, transmit antenna 344, receiver 346,and receive antenna 348, is configured to detect a presence of an EAStag (e.g., EAS tag 112, FIG. 1) within a second detection area (e.g.,area 140, FIG. 1). When an EAS tag is detected within the seconddetection area, RFID/EAS tag detection processor 340 produces a controlsignal, which causes alarm 306 to produce an audible alarm.

The transmit antenna 344 (and possibly transmitter 342) may be housedwithin transmit pedestal 309, and the receive antenna 348 (and possiblyreceiver 346) may be housed within receive pedestal 310. When the RFIDtag detection algorithm and the EAS tag detection algorithm share thesame transmitter 342, transmit antenna 344, receiver 346, and receiveantenna 348, as shown in FIG. 3, the transmitter 342 should be capableof modulating signals in frequency ranges pertinent to both RFID tagdetection and EAS tag detection, and the receiver 346 should be capableof demodulating signals in the RFID tag detection and EAS tag detectionranges, as well. In an alternate embodiment, although the RFID/EAS tagdetection algorithm may be executed on a single processor, separatetransmitters, transmit antennas, receivers, and receive antennas may beused for sending and receiving signals from the RFID and EAS tags (e.g.,as implemented in the system of FIG. 1).

The embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 pertain to systems in which proximitydetection is performed using an RFID tag reader. As mentionedpreviously, proximity detection may be performed using other proximitydetection systems and methods, as well. FIG. 4 is a simplified blockdiagram of an EAS system 400 in which proximity detection is performedusing a sensor-based system (rather than an RFID tag reader), inaccordance with yet another example embodiment. EAS system 400 includesa sensor system 430, an EAS tag detection processor 440, an alarm 406,and a pedestal pair consisting of a transmit pedestal 409 and a receivepedestal 410. The transmit antenna 444 (and possibly transmitter 442)may be housed within transmit pedestal 409, and the receive antenna 448(and possibly receiver 446) may be housed within receive pedestal 410.

Sensor system 430 may include any one or more types of sensors selectedfrom a group consisting of a camera, optical sensor, and/or laser, whichenable detection of the entry, presence, and/or movement of an object(e.g., object 116, 117, FIG. 1) within a first detection area (e.g.,area 142, FIG. 1). The raw data produced by the sensor may be providedto EAS tag detection processor 440 for analysis of whether an object hasentered, is present within, or is moving within the first detectionarea. Alternatively, the sensor system 430 may analyze the raw dataproduced by the sensor to detect the entry, presence, and/or movement ofan object within the first detection area, and when such a detection ismade, the sensor system 430 may send a proximity signal 432 to EAS tagdetection processor 440.

EAS tag detection processor 440 includes one or more general or specialpurpose processors and associated memory and other circuitry, whichenables EAS tag detection processor 440 to execute an EAS tag detectionalgorithm, as discussed previously. By executing the EAS tag detectionalgorithm, and in response to detecting the presence and/or movement ofthe object within the first detection area, EAS tag detection processor440, in conjunction with transmitter 442, transmit antenna 444, receiver446, and receive antenna 448, is configured to detect a presence of anEAS tag (e.g., EAS tag 112, FIG. 1) within a second detection area(e.g., area 140, FIG. 1). When an EAS tag is detected within the seconddetection area, RFID/EAS tag detection processor 440 produces a controlsignal, which causes alarm 406 to produce an audible alarm.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for performing tag proximity detectionand EAS, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method begins, inblock 502, when the proximity detection and EAS system is activated.Activation may include, for example, powering up the proximity detectionand EAS system (e.g., system 100, FIG. 1), and waiting for the system toperform various bootup and initialization algorithms in order to reachan operational state.

In block 504, an EAS tag reader (e.g., EAS tag reader 104, FIG. 1)begins operation in a first operational mode. In accordance with anembodiment, in the first operational mode, the EAS tag reader bypassesproduction of an EAS tag detection signal. Referring also to FIG. 6,which illustrates EAS tag detection signals produced by the EAS tagreader in first and second operational modes, in accordance with variousexample embodiments, bypassing production of the EAS tag detectionsignal indicated by the absence of an EAS tag detection signal in graph600, as discussed previously. In an alternate embodiment, in the firstoperational mode, the EAS tag reader produces an EAS tag detectionsignal having first transmission characteristics, such as EAS tagdetection signal 612 in graph 610. EAS tag detection signal 612 ischaracterized by a duty cycle determined by the ratio of the duration614 of each transmit pulse 616 to the time 618 between transmit pulses616. In addition, EAS tag detection signal 612 is characterized by apulse frequency (e.g., in a range of about 20 to 58 kHz, or some othervalue) and a pulse power level 619.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in block 506, a determination is made whetheran object is detected within a first detection area (e.g., area 142,FIG. 1). As discussed in detail previously, this determination may bemade by any of a variety of proximity detection systems, including butnot limited to an RFID tag reader (i.e., when the “object” is an RFIDtag), a camera, an optical sensor, and a laser system, to name a few. Ifno object is detected within the first detection area, the methoditerates as shown, and the EAS tag reader remains in the firstoperational mode. When an object is detected within the first detectionarea, a proximity signal (e.g., proximity signal 232 or 432, FIGS. 2, 4)optionally may be produced, in block 508. For example, in a systemembodiment in which the proximity detection system and the EAS tagreader utilize distinct hardware (e.g., as in systems 200 or 400, FIGS.2, 4), the proximity signal may be produced by the proximity detectionsystem to inform the EAS tag reader that the object has been detected.Alternatively, when the proximity detection and EAS tag detection areperformed using shared hardware (e.g., as in system 300, FIG. 3), theproximity signal need not be produced, and detection of the object mayresult in a branch in an algorithm (e.g., an EAS tag detectionalgorithm).

In block 510, the EAS tag reader transitions to operation in a secondoperational mode in response to receipt of the proximity signal ormerely in response to the detection of the object within the firstdetection area. In accordance with an embodiment in which the EAS tagreader initially bypasses production of an EAS tag detection signalwhile in the first mode, transition to the second operational modeincludes the EAS tag reader initiating production of an EAS tagdetection signal. Referring again to FIG. 6, the EAS tag reader mayproduce an EAS tag detection signal having particular transmissioncharacteristics (e.g., any one of the EAS tag detection signals 612,622, 632, 642 in graphs 610, 620, 630, 640). In an alternate embodimentin which the EAS tag reader transmitted an EAS tag detection signalwhile in the first mode (e.g., EAS tag detection signal 612 in graph610), transition to the second operational mode includes the EAS tagreader initiating production of an EAS tag detection signal havingdifferent transmission characteristics from the EAS tag detection signaltransmitted while in the first operational mode. For example, the EAStag reader may transition from transmitting an EAS tag detection signalsuch as signal 612 with a first duty cycle, first frequency, and firstpower 619 to transmitting an EAS tag detection signal such as signal 622(which has a higher pulse frequency), signal 632 (which has a longerduty cycle as indicated by the longer duration 634 of transmit pulses636 relative to the time 638 between pulses 636), or signal 642 (whichhas a higher pulse power level 646 than the pulse power level 619 of EAStag detection signal 612). Although the EAS tag detection signaltransmitted in conjunction with the second operational mode may haveonly a single different transmit signal characteristic (e.g., only theduty cycle, pulse frequency or pulse power level is different), the EAStag detection signal alternatively may have more than one differenttransmit signal characteristic, as well. According to an embodiment, thecharacteristics of the EAS tag detection signal transmitted inconjunction with the second operational mode are selected to increasethe probability of detecting an EAS tag within range of the EAS tagreader, when compared with the probability of detection using an EAS tagdetection signal having the first transmission characteristics.

Referring again to FIG. 5, a determination is made, in block 512,whether an EAS tag is detected within a second detection area (e.g.,area 140, FIG. 1). According to an embodiment, this determination ismade during a detection phase (e.g., when the EAS tag reader is notgenerating an EAS tag detection signal). For example, an EAS tag may beconsidered to have been detected when a signal produced by an EAS tagand received by the EAS tag reader meets predefined detection parameters(e.g., the detected signal has an appropriate frequency and istime-synchronized with the transmitter). When an EAS tag has not beendetected, the method iterates as shown, and the EAS tag reader eitherremains in the second operational mode (while achieving regulatorycompliance and while the object continues to be detected within thefirst detection area) or transitions back to the first operational mode(when the object is no longer detected within the first detection area).When an EAS tag has been detected within the second detection area, theEAS system may produce an audible alarm, in block 514. The method maythen iterate as shown.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 depicts a method for detecting proximity of anobject and EAS tag that may utilize any of a variety of proximitydetection techniques. As discussed in detail above, one such proximitydetection technique is detection of the proximity of an RFID tag. FIG. 7is a flowchart of a method for detecting proximity of an RFID tag and anEAS tag, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method of FIG. 7has some similarities to the method of FIG. 5, with distinctions calledout in more detail below.

The method begins, in block 702, when the proximity detection and EASsystem is activated. Activation may include, for example, powering upthe proximity detection and EAS system (e.g., system 100, FIG. 1), andwaiting for the system to perform various bootup and initializationalgorithms in order to reach an operational state. In block 704, an EAStag reader (e.g., EAS tag reader 104, FIG. 1) begins operation in afirst operational mode. In accordance with an embodiment, in the firstoperational mode, the EAS tag reader bypasses production of an EAS tagdetection signal. In an alternate embodiment, in the first operationalmode, the EAS tag reader produces an EAS tag detection signal havingfirst transmission characteristics.

In block 706, a determination is made whether an RFID tag (e.g., object115 or 116, FIG. 1) is detected within a first detection area (e.g.,area 142, FIG. 1). This determination may be made by an RFID tag reader(e.g., RFID tag reader 202, FIG. 2), in an embodiment. If no RFID tag isdetected within the first detection area, the method iterates as shown,and the EAS tag reader remains in the first operational mode. When anRFID tag is detected within the first detection area, a determinationoptionally is made, in block 708, whether the RFID tag is in motion.According to an embodiment, this determination may be made by comparingphase angles of received RFID tag response signals from the RFID tag, orby using other motion determination methods. When the RFID tag is not inmotion, the method iterates as shown. In an alternate embodiment, block708 is excluded from the method.

When the RFID tag is detected within the first detection area and,optionally, when the RFID tag is in motion, a proximity signal (e.g.,proximity signal 232, FIG. 2) optionally may be produced, in block 710.For example, in a system embodiment in which the RFID tag reader and theEAS tag reader utilize distinct hardware (e.g., as in system 200, FIG.2), the proximity signal may be produced by the RFID tag reader toinform the EAS tag reader that the RFID tag has been detected.Alternatively, when the RFID tag detection and EAS tag detection areperformed using shared hardware (e.g., as in system 300, FIG. 3), theproximity signal need not be produced, and detection of the RFID tag mayresult in a branch in an algorithm (e.g., an EAS tag detectionalgorithm).

In block 712, the RFID tag reader may communicatearticle-identity-indicating information to an inventory control system(e.g., inventory control system 230, 330, FIGS. 2, 3), when the RFID tagreader determines that the RFID tag has exited a controlled area (e.g.,a retail store). As was discussed previously and as will be discussed inmore detail in conjunction with FIG. 8, the inventory control system mayuse the article-identity-indicating information to update inventoryinformation regarding the quantity of the article within the controlledarea, in an embodiment. In addition, according to an embodiment, theRFID tag reader may receive an indication from the RFID tag of atransaction status of the RFID tag (e.g., whether the RFID tag has astored transaction status of “transacted” or “non-transacted”), and theRFID tag reader may provide the indication to the inventory controlsystem. As discussed previously, when the transaction status isnon-transacted, the inventory control system may cause an alert or analarm to be produced. Alternatively, the RFID tag reader may cause analert or an alarm to be produced when the transaction status isnon-transacted.

In block 714, the EAS tag reader transitions to operation in a secondoperational mode in response to receipt of the proximity signal ormerely in response to the detection of the RFID tag within the firstdetection area. In accordance with an embodiment in which the EAS tagreader initially bypasses production of an EAS tag detection signalwhile in the first mode, transition to the second operational modeincludes the EAS tag reader initiating production of an EAS tagdetection signal. In an alternate embodiment in which the EAS tag readertransmitted an EAS tag detection signal while in the first mode,transition to the second operational mode includes the EAS tag readerinitiating production of an EAS tag detection signal having differenttransmission characteristics from the EAS tag detection signaltransmitted while in the first operational mode.

A determination is made, in block 716, whether an EAS tag is detectedwithin a second detection area (e.g., area 140, FIG. 1). According to anembodiment, this determination is made during a detection phase (e.g.,when the EAS tag reader is not generating an EAS tag detection signal).For example, an EAS tag may be considered to have been detected when asignal produced by an EAS tag and received by the EAS tag reader meetspredefined detection parameters. When an EAS tag has not been detected,the method iterates as shown, and the EAS tag reader either remains inthe second operational mode (while achieving regulatory compliance andwhile the RFID tag continues to be detected within the first detectionarea) or transitions back to the first operational mode (when the RFIDtag is no longer detected within the first detection area). When an EAStag has been detected within the second detection area, the EAS systemmay produce an audible alarm, in block 718. The method may then iterateas shown.

As discussed previously, in an embodiment in which the proximitydetection system is an RFID tag detection system, the RFID tag detectionsystem may be operatively coupled with an inventory control system(e.g., inventory control system 230, 330, FIGS. 2, 3). In such anembodiment, the RFID tag reader may communicatearticle-identity-indicating information to the inventory control system,which indicates the identity of an article to which a detected RFID tagis attached, and the inventory control system may update inventoryinformation regarding the quantity of the article in the retail store,accordingly.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for updating inventory information, inaccordance with an example embodiment. The method may be performed, forexample, by an inventory control system (e.g., inventory control system230, 330, FIGS. 2, 3) that is communicatively coupled with an RFID tagreader. The method begins, in block 802, by maintaining inventoryinformation for one or more articles (e.g., articles that may beidentified, for example, by a unique SKU). The inventory information mayreflect, for example, how many of each article are present within acontrolled area (e.g., a retail store).

In block 804, a determination is made whether a message has beenreceived from an RFID tag reader indicating that an RFID tag associatedwith a particular article has been detected leaving the controlled area.According to an embodiment, the message may includearticle-identity-indicating information derived from an RFID tagresponse signal. The article-identity-indicating information may be avalue that actually identifies the article (e.g., a unique SKU) or avalue that may be correlated with other information to derive theidentity of the article. When no message has been received from the RFIDtag reader, the method iterates as shown.

When a message has been received from an RFID tag reader indicating thatan RFID tag associated with a particular item has been detected leavingthe controlled area, then inventory information regarding a quantity ofthe article may be updated, in block 806. According to an embodiment,this may include decrementing a current quantity of the item by one, forexample. The method then iterates as shown.

The foregoing detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by anyexpressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field,background, brief summary or detailed description.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in thedrawings figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, thedimensions of some of the elements or regions in some of the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements or regions of the same orother figures to help improve understanding of embodiments of theinvention.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth” and the like in thedescription and the claims, if any, may be used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example,capable of operation or use in sequences other than those illustrated orotherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,”“include,” “have” and any variations thereof, are intended to covernon-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, orapparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limitedto those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. It is to beunderstood that the embodiments of the invention described herein may beused, for example, in other orientations than those illustrated orotherwise described herein. The term “coupled,” as used herein, isdefined as directly or indirectly connected in an electrical ornon-electrical manner.

An embodiment includes a reader system comprising a proximity sensorsystem and an EAS tag reader, communicatively coupled to the proximitysensor system. The proximity sensor system is configured to detect apresence of an object within a first area, and to generate a proximitysignal in response to detecting the object within the first area. TheEAS tag reader is configured to make a transition from a firstoperational mode to a second operational mode in response to receivingthe proximity signal from the proximity sensor system. The transitionincludes the EAS tag reader altering production of an EAS tag detectionsignal.

Another embodiment includes a reader system comprising an RFID tagreader and an EAS tag reader communicatively coupled to the RFID tagreader. The RFID tag reader is configured to detect a presence of anRFID tag within a first area, and to generate a proximity signal inresponse to detecting the RFID tag within the first area. The EAS tagreader is configured to detect a presence of an EAS tag within a secondarea by producing an EAS tag detection signal. The EAS tag reader isfurther configured to alter characteristics of the EAS tag detectionsignal in response to receiving the proximity signal from the RFID tagreader.

Yet another embodiment includes a reader system comprising a processingsystem and an RF system operably coupled with the processing system. Theprocessing system is configured to detect a presence of an object usingan object detection technique other than EAS, and to make a transitionfrom a first operational mode to a second operational mode in responseto detecting the presence of the object. The transition includesaltering production of an EAS tag detection signal. The RF system isconfigured to radiate the EAS tag detection signal.

Yet another embodiment includes a method for detecting proximity of anEAS tag. The method comprises the steps of detecting, by a proximitydetection system, a presence of an object within a first area, andaltering characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is producedby an EAS tag reader in response to detecting the proximity of theobject.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and arenot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments. Itshould be understood that various changes can be made in the functionand arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of theinvention as set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reader system comprising: a processing system configured to detect a presence of an object using an object detection technique other than electronic article surveillance (EAS), and to make a transition from a first operational mode to a second operational mode in response to detecting the presence of the object, wherein the transition includes altering production of an EAS tag detection signal; and a radio frequency (RF) system operatively coupled with the processing system, and configured to radiate the EAS tag detection signal.
 2. The reader system of claim 1, wherein the processing system comprises: a first processor configured to execute a first algorithm for detecting the presence of the object and to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting the object; and a second processor configured to execute a second algorithm for producing the EAS tag detection signal, wherein the second algorithm makes the transition from the first operational mode to the second operational mode in response to the proximity signal.
 3. The reader system of claim 1, wherein the processing system comprises a single processor configured to execute a first algorithm for detecting the presence of the object and a second algorithm for producing the EAS tag detection signal.
 4. The reader system of claim 1, wherein the object detection technique is an RF Identification (RFID) tag detection technique, and the RF system comprises: a first transmitter configured to transmit the EAS tag detection signal; and a second transmitter configured to exchange RF signals with an RFID tag.
 5. The reader system of claim 1, wherein the object detection technique is an RF Identification (RFID) tag detection technique, and the RF system comprises: a single transmitter configured to transmit the EAS tag detection signal, and to exchange RF signals with an RFID tag. 